Steroid-Induced Osteoporosis

Topic Overview

Many people take oral or inhaled steroids, which include beclomethasone, flunisolide, and prednisone, for conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Oral steroids and high-dose inhaled steroids can cause bone loss over time. If you are on these types of medicines for 6 months or longer, you are at increased risk for osteoporosis, which puts you at high risk for broken bones. After broken bones occur, healing can take a long time because of the decreased ability of your bones to rebuild due to osteoporosis.

If you are on long-term use of steroids, you should be monitored for bone loss.

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